Services

Top officer suspended amid NI probe

The chief constable of West Yorkshire Police has been suspended pending an investigation by his former force in Northern Ireland.

Mark Gilmore, who grew up in Belfast and spent most of his police career in Northern Ireland, was suspended by the West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson.

In a statement, the PCC said: "This morning I suspended the chief constable of West Yorkshire, Mark Gilmore.

"The reason for this suspension is as a result of information I have received from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) arising from an investigation announced by them earlier this week.

"I would like to stress that the suspension of the chief constable is a necessity in the public interest until the full facts have been established.

"I have also referred this matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

"I sincerely hope that the PSNI investigation is concluded quickly in a way that could allow me to lift the suspension and Mr Gilmore to return to his post and continue the vital work to ensure communities are safer and feel safer.

"I will be keeping the suspension under review as the PSNI investigation proceeds and in the meantime I have asked deputy chief constable, Dee Collins, to act up as chief constable for West Yorkshire.

"It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comments at this time."

Mr Gilmore, born in 1964 and from the Shankill Road area of Belfast, attended the University of Ulster and Harvard in the United States.

He joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1983, which has since become the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

In a statement released by the Chief Police Officers Staff Association, Mr Gilmore said: " I wish to make clear that I have not been informed of my status in connection to the investigation being conducted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

"I have conducted myself with the honesty and integrity expected of someone in my position and have 31 years unblemished professional record.

"I have fully co-operated with the investigation and will continue to do so. I hope to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner to bring about a quick and positive resolution to this matter so I can return to serving the people of West Yorkshire as soon as possible."

According to the West Yorkshire Police website, during his years as an officer "he has gained wide policing experience in roles such as uniform beat and patrol, drug squad, criminal investigation, intelligence, HQ management posts, roads policing, tactical support groups, firearms and public order".

He was part of the RUC's Fundamental Review Team in 1995, led by the then deputy chief constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan. Its work played a major role in the reform of operational policing in Northern Ireland.

His career progressed, working as a staff officer for the deputy and then the chief constable before promotion to chief inspector and road policing commander for the Greater Belfast area.

Mr Gilmore then became a superintendent and as the commander for the Belfast Region Tactical Support Group, he took charge of a number of major public order deployments.

He was further promoted, working in Lisburn, went on secondment with Lancashire Police and in 2008 he was appointed as chief of staff to Acpo president Sir Ken Jones.

Five years ago he became assistant chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, then deputy chief of Northumbria Police in 2011.

He was appointed as the chief constable of West Yorkshire Police last year, replacing Sir Norman Bettison.

Mr Gilmore, married with two grown up sons, is a keen runner and enjoys sailing.

An IPCC spokesman said: "The IPCC has received a referral from the police and crime commissioner for West Yorkshire that relates to the conduct of West Yorkshire Police's chief constable.

"An assessment is being carried out to determine whether there is any requirement for an IPCC investigation or oversight."

It is understood the move has been prompted by a PSNI investigation into the awarding of police vehicle contracts in Northern Ireland.

Seven men were arrested by detectives working on the case this week and questioned on suspicion of offences including bribery, misconduct in public office and procuring misconduct in public office.

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